(March 27, 2020 / JNS) Leaders of six major Orthodox organizations released a joint statement on Monday asking Jews to limit preparations for Passover to only essentials as a further measure against the health threat presented by the coronavirus (COVID-19).

“We are accustomed to honoring Pesach to the fullest degree, including taking haircuts, purchasing new clothing and tableware, and preparing the fullest menu,” said the organizations, including Agudath Israel of America, the Rabbinical Alliance of America, the Lakewood (New Jersey) Vaad, the National Council of Young Israel, the Orthodox Union and the Rabbinical Council of America. “This year’s public health crisis mandates us to significantly limit all of the above.”

Jewish community members are asked to refrain from any “non-essential outside interactions,” including in-store shopping.”

The groups recommended that if there is a need for “truly essential” Passover purchases, “send one family member only—who is neither ill, vulnerable, nor of known exposure to COVID-19—as rarely and as briefly as possible.”

Subscribe to The JNS Daily Syndicate by email and never miss our top stories

“Stores serving the community should shift to home delivery or drive-by parking lot pickup of pre-orders, and to the extent this is not possible, must take substantive steps to minimize crowding, maintain hygiene and maximize social distancing,” they added. “We will truly honor Pesach by limiting our purchases to the truly ESSENTIAL, ensuring that all of us, especially the vulnerable, are able to celebrate Pesach in good health. We must STAY HOME; SAVE LIVES.”

The organizations also said that all travel to other cities “must be canceled, whether to vacation venues or to family. Everyone must plan to celebrate Pesach where they are.”

Individuals living alone or those who are “absolutely unable” to prepare for Pesach may self-quarantine for 14 days, and then join with a local family that has been staying home and limiting their interactions outside the home, they said. The elderly and people considered “high risk” were encouraged to seek medical advice before considering that option.

Support Jewish Journalism with 2020 Vision

One of the most intriguing stories of the sudden Coronavirus crisis is the role of the internet. With individuals forced into home quarantine, most are turning further online for information, education and social interaction.

JNS's influence and readership are growing exponentially, and our positioning sets us apart. Most Jewish media are advocating increasingly biased progressive political and social agendas. JNS is providing more and more readers with a welcome alternative and an ideological home.

During this crisis, JNS continues working overtime. We are being relied upon to tell the story of this crisis as it affects Israel and the global Jewish community, and explain the extraordinary political developments taking place in parallel.

Our ability to thrive in 2020 and beyond depends on the generosity of committed readers and supporters. Monthly donations in particular go a long way in helping us sustain our operations. We greatly appreciate any contributions you can make during these challenging times. We thank you for your ongoing support and wish you blessings for good health and peace of mind.